UK welcomes Syria ceasefire, urges protection of Kurdish rights

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The United Kingdom has welcomed a recent ceasefire between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and armed groups linked to Damascus, while emphasizing the need to safeguard Kurdish rights and ensure inclusive governance in Syria.

UK Special Representative for Syria Ann Snow described the ceasefire as a positive but fragile step toward stability.

“This is a critical moment for the future of Syria,” Snow told Rudaw. “The latest ceasefire agreement is welcome, but the situation remains fragile. Syria needs dialogue and peace, not further violence.”

Snow stressed that all parties must prioritize maintaining the ceasefire and fully implementing its terms.

“Talks between parties, respect for the ceasefire, implementation of the agreement, and the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian access must remain the priority for all,” she said.

Since mid-January, the Syrian Arab Army and allied armed groups have advanced into areas previously held by the SDF, including parts of eastern Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and the predominantly Kurdish Hasaka province. The developments have heightened concerns among Kurdish communities in northeastern Syria, known as Rojava.

Fears have been further exacerbated by reports that factions affiliated with Damascus facilitated the escape of a large number of Islamic State (ISIS) members who had been detained in SDF-run facilities.

A ceasefire agreement signed earlier this month, which aims to integrate SDF structures into Syrian state institutions, has been repeatedly violated, raising concerns about renewed displacement and broader regional instability. Each breakdown has also increased risks to ISIS detention facilities.

On Tuesday, the Syrian presidency announced that Damascus and the SDF had reached a “mutual understanding” on several issues. Under the arrangement, the SDF was granted a four-day consultation period to submit a detailed plan outlining mechanisms for integrating areas under its control.

As part of the agreement, the Syrian Arab Army announced early Friday that it had begun transferring SDF fighters from al-Aqtan prison and surrounding areas in Raqqa province to the city of Kobane. The move marks the first step toward implementing a January 18 agreement under which Syria’s Ministry of Interior is expected to assume control of the prison’s administration.

Snow said that during her visit to Damascus last week, she raised the issue of Kurdish rights in meetings with officials from Syria’s transitional government.

“A key focus was the importance of governance for all Syrians, including the rights of Kurdish communities and their meaningful participation in Syria’s political and social landscape,” she said.

She added that respect for diversity and inclusive governance are essential for Syria’s long-term stability.

“Respect for diverse identities and inclusive governance are essential pillars for long-term stability and prosperity - and for a safer, more secure future for all communities across Syria,” Snow said.

“I will remain in close touch with all sides. We continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Nyaz Mustafa contributed to this article